A Christchurch memorial for New Zealand’s deadliest blaze has been desecrated by thieves after 23 historic bronze plaques were stolen from the site.
The plaques were taken from the Ballantynes Fire Memorial located at the Ruru Lawn Cemetery in Bromley.
The memorial was erected to commemorate the 41 people killed in November 1947 when a fire engulfed the central Christchurch department store. One of them was a pregnant woman, who jumped from the building to escape the flames.
Each plaque is embossed with the name of a victim who died in the blaze.
Di Keenan – the niece of Jessie Smith, who died in the fire – said she was “heartbroken” to learn of the theft.
“When I got there, I cried. It looks so barren and devastating not to see the plaque there,” she said.
Smith was just 18 years old when she died – one of the youngest victims of the tragedy.
“She worked in the accounts department, and was due to leave only a couple of days after the fire to start her nursing training. She was so young, her whole life was ahead of her,” Keenan said.
She remembered visiting the site often with her mother and grandmother and said that Smith was still a part of their lives.
“For us, it’s not about money, it’s about that was the last piece of Jessie, and we still go there to remember her. I’d love to see her name back where it should be.”
Keenan said she hoped the plaques would be returned.
“I just think, where’s their conscience? This is about people who lost their lives in a tragedy. This is where they’re remembered and respected and loved.”
A Royal Commission of Inquiry into the fire revealed a litany of issues within the department store building and the fire department’s response, which likely contributed to a loss of life. It noted a lack of sprinklers and fire exits, as well as the fire brigade underestimating the severity of the fire.
Christchurch City Council head of parks, Rupert Bool, said the council is concerned about the theft, and is already looking at replacement options for the plaques.
Police were alerted to the incident yesterday morning and are now investigating. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding who may be responsible for the theft.
